Fiber sensor scientists at Shenzhen University have developed a compact fiber optic nanomechanical probe (FONP) to measure the biomechanical properties of tissues and even single cells in vivo.
In a paper published in the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, researchers from Shenzhen University applied femtosecond laser-induced two-photon polymerization technology to produce a fiber-tipped microprobe with ultrahigh mechanical precision of up to 2.1 nanoNewtons.
This high-precision mechanical sensor system allows the measurement of in vivo biomechanical properties of tissues, single cells and other types of soft biological materials. The findings may have broad implications for the future development of whole-fiber atomic force microscopy for biomechanical testing and nanomanipulation.
One of the lead researchers, Professor Yiping Wang, said: “The biomechanical properties of different tissues in the human body vary in seven dimensions, from the softest cells to the hardest bones. We have developed the most accurate biomechanical sensor. Design and in vivo biomechanical measurements of almost all tissues in the human body. Fabricate fiber-tipped microprobes with an appropriate spring constant.
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is one of the few technologies capable of precise biomechanical measurements. However, there are general limitations of a benchtop AMF system in terms of size and complex feedback systems. It also requires a specific sample geometry for measurement, further limiting its applicability to in vivo biomechanical measurements.
First author Dr. Mengqiang Zou says, "Our work leads to a new generation of all-fiber AFM with a flexible approach to achieve an optimal fiber-tip microprobe design for any in vivo experiment, which is reliable and more miniaturized.
Professor Changrui Liao pioneered fiber-tipped micro-devices fabricated by femtosecond laser-induced two-photon polymerization technology for gas exploration. Here his group developed a technique to obtain a variety of fibrous microstructures in terms of microcantilever to obtain microprobes with a range of spring constants with additional topological designs.
This development enables "whole-fiber AFM" to become a next-generation tool for basic research involving in vivo biomechanical measurements of a variety of tissues.
The team used the finite element method and topological theory to optimize the design of the microtilting fiber probe. The best microwaves can achieve reliable measurements down to 2.1 nanoNewtons.
Professor Sandor Casas said: “This is a remarkable achievement and this is just the beginning. We hope that this technique will be a powerful tool for in vivo biomechanical research of human tissues and cells, to better understand the basis of biomechanical changes associated with diseases such as cancer. , but also in developmental biology. Criticism in process.
More information: Mengqiang Xu et al, Nanomechanical 3D Printed Fiber Optic Bioprobe, International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (2023). DOI: 10.1088/2631-7990/acb741
Provided by International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing
Citation : Scientists devise 3D-printed fiber microprobe to measure tissue biomechanical properties in vivo (February 10, 2023) Retrieved February 18, 2023, from https://phys.org/news/2023-02-scientists-3d-fiber-microprobe - Vivo bought .html
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